WORKS MINISTER INSPECTS DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE IN RUKWA REGION

Government plans to rehabilitate rain-damaged road infrastructure in Rukwa Region

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The Minister of Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, has announced that the Government is taking proactive measures to rehabilitate the infrastructure of the Kasansa – Muze – Mtowisa – Ilemba – Kaoze – Kilyamatundu (180km) road, which has been severely affected by the ongoing heavy rains in various parts of the country.

During his visit to Rukwa Region on the 8th of April, Bashungwa inspected the road and assured residents that Government is committed to carrying out major repairs in Nkwilo, Mtowisa, Zimba, Kisa, Kinambo, Ilemba and Solola areas which have been badly affected by the adverse weather conditions.

“I want to assure the people of Rukwa that Government will spare no effort in rehabilitating the infrastructure damaged by the heavy rains to ensure that social and economic services can resume without disruption,” said Bashungwa.

The Government’s swift response to the road damage caused by the incessant rains demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of its citizens and the development of the region. By prioritising the rehabilitation of road infrastructure, the government aims to facilitate the smooth flow of goods and services, improve connectivity and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Rukwa.

The Kasansa – Muze – Mtowisa – Ilemba – Kaoze – Kilyamatundu road is a vital transport route linking several communities in the Rukwa region. However, heavy rains have made parts of the road impassable, causing inconvenience and hampering economic activities in the area.

The government’s plan to rehabilitate the road infrastructure includes major repairs in the worst affected areas. Nkwilo, Mtowisa, Zimba, Kisa, Kinambo, Ilemba and Solola will receive special attention to ensure that the road is restored to its optimum condition. This will include repairing potholes, repairing damaged bridges and improving drainage systems to prevent future waterlogging.

The rehabilitation work will not only focus on repairing the existing damage, but also on implementing measures to mitigate the effects of future heavy rains. The government recognises the need for long-term solutions to ensure the road’s resilience to adverse weather conditions. These include strengthening the road’s foundation, implementing effective drainage systems and using durable materials in construction and maintenance.

In addition to the physical repairs, the government is also committed to ensuring the safety of road users during the rehabilitation process. Temporary traffic management measures will be put in place to minimise disruption and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The Government will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities and law enforcement agencies, to ensure the safety of both road users and construction workers.

The rehabilitation of the Kasansa – Muze – Mtowisa – Ilemba – Kaoze – Kilyamatundu road is part of the Government’s wider efforts to improve road infrastructure across the country. The Government recognises the critical role that well-maintained roads play in promoting economic growth, facilitating trade and improving social connectivity.

The Government also recognises that the rehabilitation of road infrastructure is not an isolated effort, but requires cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders. The Ministry of Works will work closely with other relevant ministries, local authorities and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the rehabilitation plan.

The Government’s commitment to rehabilitating the road infrastructure in the Rukwa region demonstrates its commitment to the welfare and prosperity of its citizens. By investing in the rehabilitation of the Kasansa – Muze – Mtowisa – Ilemba – Kaoze – Kilyamatundu road, the government is not only addressing the immediate challenges caused by the heavy rains, but also laying the foundation for sustainable development in the region.

The government’s plans to rehabilitate the road infrastructure affected by the heavy rains in the Rukwa region demonstrate its commitment to the well-being and development of the region. By prioritising the rehabilitation of the Kasansa – Muze – Mtowisa – Ilemba – Kaoze – Kilyamatundu road, the government aims to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and improve the overall quality of life for the people of Rukwa.

Through comprehensive repairs and long-term resilience measures, the government is determined to ensure that the road infrastructure can withstand future adverse weather conditions. Cooperation and coordination between the various stakeholders will be crucial to the successful implementation of the rehabilitation plan.

Government and local authorities take precautions during El Niño rains

In response to the challenges posed by the El Niño rains, Minister of Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa has urged citizens and firefighters to exercise caution. He stressed the importance of taking the necessary precautions when encountering flooded roads or bridges, and advised people to wait for the water to recede before proceeding.

Eng. Mgeni Mwanga, TANROADS Rukwa Region Manager, highlighted the impact of the rains on various roads, particularly the Kasansa – Muze, Muze – Mtowisa, Mtowisa – Ilemba and Ilemba – Kaoze routes. Despite the adverse conditions, TANROADS has been proactive in restoring road links and is actively awaiting major repairs to ensure safe passage for commuters.

Mr Efraim Konta, a Zimba District Councillor, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Works for its quick intervention in restoring road connectivity in Sumbawanga District. This initiative has greatly facilitated the transport of produce from Rukwa region to Songwe region and neighbouring areas, thereby enhancing economic activities and connectivity.

The combined efforts of the government, local authorities and affected individuals were instrumental in mitigating the effects of the El Niño rains. By prioritising safety and the restoration of infrastructure, they have demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding the well-being and livelihoods of affected communities.

As the region continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the El Niño rains, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the evolving situation. Through effective communication, strategic planning and concerted action, the collective resilience of the community can be harnessed to overcome these adversities and pave the way for sustainable development.

The unwavering commitment of Bashungwa, TANROADS and the local authorities, exemplified by their proactive measures and collaborative initiatives, is a testament to their dedication to the welfare of the people. Their concerted efforts have not only mitigated the immediate effects of the El Niño rains, but have also laid the foundation for a more resilient and connected community that will thrive in the face of future challenges.

Minister of Works Inspects Rain-Damaged Road Infrastructure in Rukwa Lake Basin

The Minister of Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, recently embarked on a working visit to Sumbawanga District, Rukwa Region, where he was warmly welcomed by the Rukwa Regional Chief Executive, Charles Makongoro Nyerere.

The main objective of the visit was to assess the extent of damage to road and bridge infrastructure in the area, particularly on the Kasansa – Muze – Mtowisa – Ilemba – Kaoze – Kilyamatundu road, which runs for 180 kilometres in the Rukwa Lake basin.

During his tour, Minister Bashungwa focused on several key areas including the progress of the Kaengesa – Chitete road, the Ntendo – Kizungu road and the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation of Sumbawanga Airport. The aim of the visit was to gain a first-hand insight into the challenges faced by local communities as a result of the recent heavy rains, and to identify potential solutions to address the infrastructure damage.

The rain-damaged road infrastructure in the Rukwa Lake Basin has posed significant challenges to residents and businesses in the area. The deteriorating road conditions have not only hampered transport and connectivity, but have also affected overall economic activities in the region. Minister Bashungwa’s visit underscored the Government’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues and ensuring the timely restoration of vital transport networks.

The tour provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with local authorities, community leaders and project stakeholders to gain a full understanding of the specific needs and priorities in the region. By actively listening to the concerns of local residents and assessing the infrastructure first-hand, Minister Bashungwa demonstrated a proactive and hands-on approach to addressing the infrastructure challenges in the Rukwa Lake Basin.

In addition to assessing the road and bridge infrastructure, Minister Bashungwa also emphasised the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation in the region. The impact of the heavy rains on the local ecosystem and natural resources was a key consideration during the inspection, highlighting the link between infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.

The Minister’s visit to Sumbawanga District underlined the Government’s commitment to prioritising infrastructure development and ensuring the well-being of local communities. In particular, the Kaengesa – Chitete and Ntendo – Kizungu road projects hold great promise for improving connectivity and facilitating economic growth in the region. The expansion and rehabilitation of Sumbawanga Airport further underlines the Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and promoting regional development.

At the end of the tour, Minister Bashungwa reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by communities in the Rukwa Lake Basin. The visit served as a catalyst for collaborative efforts between government, local authorities and project stakeholders to expedite the rehabilitation of rain-damaged road infrastructure and ensure sustainable development in the region.

Minister Bashungwa’s working visit to Sumbawanga District, Rukwa Region, provided a comprehensive overview of the rain-damaged road infrastructure in the Rukwa Lake Basin. The Minister’s hands-on approach and engagement with local stakeholders underscored the Government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region. The visit was an important step in identifying actionable solutions and mobilising resources to restore vital transport networks and support economic growth in local communities.

 

Tanzania Media